Skip to Content

July 1, 2020

Wednesday, July 1, 2020  WEBSITE | SHARE ON:
Congressional Report


Dear Friends,

I've been hard at work in Washington D.C. this past week. The House of Representatives passed two critical pieces of legislation that will help protect and strengthen our communities: the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act.

When I voted for the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, I did so because it will hold accountable any officer who abuses their power. Although we cannot paint all those in law enforcement with the same paint brush - and many of the brave men and women who dawn the uniform do so with integrity - we must find ways to increase oversight, end racial profiling, and build trust between officers and the community. The second major piece of legislation that I voted for, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act, will significantly increase the ACA’s affordability subsidies to be more generous and cover more middle-class families. 

In the district, my offices continue to help constituents with any federal issues they face. 

As a reminder, Texas has seen a spike in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. Please protect yourself and those around you by wearing face coverings, continuing to practice social distancing, and implementing clean hygiene in your daily routines. 

I want to keep you up-to-date and informed throughout this pandemic. I urge you to visit my website and social media pages, @repcuellar, to stay informed with the latest news. 



Rep. Cuellar Joins Worlds Affair Council of San Antonio Webinar


     
On Thursday, June 25th, I joined the World Affairs Council of San Antonio's webinar and panel discussion, regarding the United States-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) agreement - set to enter force on July 1. During this webinar, we discussed the regional cooperation between all three countries. Specifically, I spoke about how the USMCA agreement will be beneficial to our economy, as well as the potential impacts due to COVID-19. Thank you to Consul General of Mexico Ruben Minutti Zanatta and Consul General of Canada Rachel McCormick for being apart of such an informational event. I'd also like to thank the World Affairs Council for bringing us all together. To watch the live stream, click here. 

Rep. Cuellar Receives Third Award This Year From US Chamber of Commerce

    
On Wednesday, June 24th, I was a recipient of the US Chambers of Commerce Spirit of Enterprise award. Texas 28 is proud to be the home to businesses, large and small, keeping our community thriving. In my district, Laredo is home to the #1 Wal-Mart in the nation based on sales per sq. ft, the San Antonio region has one of the largest concentrations of IT and cybersecurity professionals in the nation, and Mission is home to the multimillion-dollar citrus industry. Whether it's fighting for small business loans or working to get USMCA passed, I have been committed to supporting policies that would ensure the economic prosperity of our country. I'd like to express my gratitude to the US Chambers of Commerce for this honor.

Rep. Cuellar has also received the Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award and the Jefferson-Hamilton Award for Bipartisanship from the US Chamber of Commerce.

Discount Tire Grand Opening in Pleasanton, TX
 
    
On Friday, June 26th, my Outreach Coordinator for Atascosa, Bexar, McMullen and Wilson Counties, Gilbert Lafuente, attended the Discount Tire and Trailers grand opening in Pleasanton, TX. Congratulations to David Douglas, Manager of Discount Tire, on his store opening. I wish them nothing but success in this new endeavor and look forward to the impact they will have on Pleasanton's community. Pictured is Gilbert Lafuente, David Douglas, and store employees.


Intern Spotlight: Kevin Lee
                    
In this week's "Intern Spotlight" we're taking a look at our San Antonio District Office to meet Kevin Lee. Kevin is a senior at the University of Texas, studying Government, International Relations as well as Global Studies and Asian Studies. Upon finishing his undergraduate studies, he hopes to attend law school. Throughout this internship, Kevin hopes to get first-hand experience in assisting the American people at the federal level. At the district office, he'll regularly communicate with the constituents of TX-28, as well as help facilitate resolving their issues. When he's not studying or interning, you can find Kevin doing many things during his free time. Kevin is an avid foodie, loves going on adventures, and enjoys traveling. Thanks for being apart of the team Kevin and we hope this experience is one that will help you grow into the leader you aspire to be!

URGENT: Tax Filing Deadline is July 15th

    
   
Just a friendly reminder that due to COVID-19, the Treasury Department and the International Revenue Service (IRS) announced that this year's filing deadline has been extended to July 15th. If you haven't filed your taxes yet, you still have time to do so, but it is highly recommended that you file as soon as possible. The IRS also recommends to file electronically. For more information on deadlines and procedures, click here.  
                                              

Coronavirus Resource Handbook
     
My office's COVID-19 Resource Handbook provides an extremely helpful list of tools and services for all those in the district. We are constantly updating the information in our handbook and you can regularly check my website for the newest edition. This wide-ranging economic rescue package provides rapid and meaningful assistance for individuals, businesses, and first responders.

Sections include: unemployment, direct payments, food assistance, homeowners and protection programs, and more. If you have any questions about the topics listed on the handbook, please contact my offices for assistance. To view the English handbook, click here. To view the Spanish handbook, click here. 


We're Behind on Responding to the 2020 Census  
       
As of June 29th, our district has a response rate of 47.7%. Unfortunately, this isn't much of an improvement from last week and we're still trailing behind the state's average rate of 56.5%. That gap is continuing to widen; don't get left behind. Let's improve these numbers and make sure every, man, woman, and child living in TX-28 is properly accounted for. You can complete the census form online, by clicking here. If you want to complete it by phone, call: 1-844-330-2020. Or, you can respond through mail, once you receive the paper form. 


This Week's Grant Newsletter

                               
Don't miss out on a grant opportunity! Attracting more federal funds to the district and region has been a top priority during my tenure in Congress. In an effort to better serve you, I want to provide you with information on a variety of open federal grant opportunities in each week's newsletter. To see this week's edition, click here. If you'd like to subscribe to the weekly grants newsletter, please fill out our google doc form.  


Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): How to Wear a Cloth Face Covering 

 
      
Texas has seen a spike in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, be sure to protect yourself and others by wearing a face mask or covering when out in public. In order to slow the spread of coronavirus, we must do our part and continue to follow CDC guidelines.

In this week's video, the CDC teaches you the best and most effective way to wear a face mask. 


 
 
Sincerely,
Henry Cuellar
 


Take My Latest Survey
CONNECT
     

LATEST NEWS
6/28, Rio Grande Guardian: Pioneers revisit their efforts to create a Virtual College of Texas

6/26, Dallas Morning Times: Trump violated Constitution by diverting Pentagon funds to build border wall, federal appeals court rules

6/25, Nexstar: The window for U.S. Senate to pass police reform bill could be closing

6/25, Bush Center: Bush Institute Hosts 
Conversation with Congressmen Will Hurd and Henry Cuellar on the Need for Continued U.S. Support in Central America

6/19, KRGV: Congressman Cuellar says Congress needs to act on DACA to possibly prevent Trump's next attempt to end policy

6/18, Border Report: Historic DACA ruling underscores urgent need for immigration reform, lawmakers say 

6/17, Texas Border Business: Cuellar's Statement on the Extension of Non-Essential Travel Restrictions Across the US-Mexico Border

6/17, The Monitor: 
Mission to use more than $1M in federal funds for 10 officers

6/15, KGNS: Local officials speak on police defunding

6/15, Laredo Morning Times: LC awarded $200k grant for COVID-19 research

6/12, Border Report: South Texas Ranchers get another year to graze cattle along Rio Grande 

6/11, Laredo Morning Times: Cuellar awarded for leadership and bipartisanship

6/9, Rio Grande Guardian: TBC, Cuellar, differ on whether to reopen the US-Mexico border

6/4, Texas Border Business: Rep. Cuellar Applauds Senate Passage of the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act


 

NEWSLETTER
Sign Up for My Newsletter
NOTE: Please DO NOT respond to this email as this inbox is unattended. To contact my office please click here